| You've loved horses ever since you were a kid | | | | horses are your real life. If you travel |
| and have always dreamed of owning one. You've | | | | frequently, can't or don't want to commit to |
| spent the last three years taking horseback | | | | a regular schedule, or have a very busy work |
| riding lessons. You know how to tack up, muck | | | | or family life, then this might not be the |
| out, and have read just about every book out | | | | right time in your life for horse ownership. |
| there on the care and feeding of horses. No | | | | Remember, horses must be fed, watered, and |
| one can doubt that you've put your time in. | | | | cared for according to schedule, and it's up |
| Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a hobby | | | | to you to be able to maintain that schedule. |
| that is here to stay! | | | | |
| | | | Â- Do you have the space for a horse? You |
| So, are you ready to buy your first horse? | | | | either need good accommodations at home, or |
| Well, before you break out your checkbook you | | | | you need to find a place to board your horse. |
| need to take stock of a few things in your | | | | If you are keeping your horse at home, at the |
| life to determine whether horse ownership is | | | | very least he needs two grassy acres, a |
| right for you. | | | | run-in shed, and an adequate water supply. If |
| | | | you keep your horse at home you also need to |
| Â- Do you have the knowledge? How much | | | | know that he'll appreciate some company. It's |
| time have you really spent around horses, and | | | | best if you have room for an additional |
| has it been hands-on? If you ride at a fancy | | | | horse, a goat, or some other companionable |
| stable that tacks and untacks your horse for | | | | animal. |
| you then guess what? You aren't having the | | | | |
| full horse experience! Make sure you know | | | | Â- Do you have the money for a horse? |
| what is really involved in caring for, | | | | Horses are very expensive! Add up everything |
| feeding, and cleaning up after your horse. A | | | | it will cost to keep your horse happy and |
| great way to learn about all that is involved | | | | healthy. Include food, farrier bills, |
| in horse ownership, without making a | | | | veterinary bills, insurance, training, and |
| long-term commitment, is to lease a horse. | | | | board if you keep him somewhere other than |
| Try leasing a horse for a year or two and | | | | home. Now, does this figure fit into your |
| then decide if horse ownership is really for | | | | budget? On the fence about whether you can |
| you. | | | | afford horse ownership? Again, leasing is a |
| | | | good option. When you lease a horse, you are |
| Â- Now that you know what is involved, do | | | | responsible for all of his monthly bills for |
| you have the desire? Horse ownership is a | | | | a certain period of time. If you find at the |
| tremendous amount of work. Are you up for it? | | | | end of this lease period that your horse has |
| If you aren't, that's perfectly okay. If you | | | | eaten well but you haven't, then you may want |
| really love riding horses but don't enjoy all | | | | to reconsider horse ownership when you are in |
| the extra stuff that goes along with them, | | | | a better financial situation. |
| then why not just keep taking riding lessons? | | | | |
| Ask yourself what you really love about | | | | Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can |
| horses. If you love things like mucking out, | | | | be extremely taxing on your time and |
| grooming, feeding, and taking care of horses, | | | | resources. Before you embark on the exciting |
| then you would probably make a great horse | | | | journey of horse ownership, make sure you are |
| owner! | | | | ready! |
| | | | |
| Â- Do you have the time for horse | | | | For more great information on buying horses |
| ownership? No more showing up at the barn, | | | | please visit our horse network and find |
| riding for an hour, and then heading home to | | | | valuable information that will save you |
| your real life. When you are a horse owner, | | | | thousands in mistakes or vet bills. |